Our learning environments are designed specifically for girls, tailoring education to their unique needs and preferences. We foster ambition, resilience and fearlessness – what we call being 10% braver – free from the constraints of gender stereotyping.
The role of girls’ education has never been more relevant in order to accelerate the pace of change. This is why we have built on the findings of our landmark 2022 ‘Girls’ Futures Report’, which highlighted the aspirations of girls and the barriers they face, to develop the Designing the Future of Girls’ Education, a GDST Insights Report and Framework. This report and framework provides thought-provoking and practical tools designed to inform and empower families, teachers and the entire educational community to understand how girls learn best and to challenge the structures and mindsets in schools that short-change female pupils.
Our earlier research found that girls nationally faced a significant drop in confidence, ambition and preparedness for the future compared to their peers in single-sex settings and boys in all types of settings from age 14 onwards. Designing the Future of Girls’ Education aims to address these challenges head-on.
At Northampton High, our girls are ambitious, engaged and enthusiastic about the world. Yet, some still feel unprepared to take on life’s challenges and doubt their ability to create meaningful change. But this does not have to be the case. The GDST has identified three core principles to help girls realise their full ambitions: classroom, curriculum, and culture – three key areas where we can improve educational outcomes for girls.
The first point of call in addressing the inequalities facing girls is to close the gap in confidence levels between boys and girls. Girls need a learning environment where they are empowered to have a voice to speak up and are supported to take intellectual risks which is fundamental to addressing gaps in girls’ authority and self-assurance. Encouraging girls to step out of their comfort zones and try new things is crucial for building courage and resilience.
But how can we achieve this goal? By focusing on discussion and collaboration, and embracing complexity and failure. This helps break free of the expectation that girls are to be an accomplished and driven form of perfection, and instead focuses on failure and mistakes as a normal – and even valuable – part of the learning process that can in fact drive progress and help girls learn to approach problems creatively and critically.
At Northampton High, we cultivate this mindset through our classroom discussions, assemblies and daily learning experiences. We inspire our girls to develop a ‘can-do’ attitude, approach setbacks with confidence and recognise that effort is the key to mastery. Crucially, we embed a 10% braver approach to school life, empowering girls in every endeavour. This not only alleviates the pressure to perform but also fosters a culture of resilience and growth.
To read more please see here.
May Lee
Head
The week ahead
Monday 3 March
Year 12 and Year 13 Candle Conferences Trip
Tuesday 4 March
Netball: U12A County Plate Tournament
Wednesday 5 March
Year 13 Parents Evening
Thursday 6 March
Reach Lecture
GDST Spring Rally
Friday 7 March
Whole School Open Morning
Badminton: U14A Regional Schools Finals
Saturday 8 March
Annual Old Girls’ Reunion Lunch
Sunday 9 March
Year 8 Normandy Residential Trip
Book Review: When We Flew Away by Alice Hoffman
In soaring prose, bestselling author Alice Hoffman brings Anne Frank to life on the page, drawing from her extensive research in Europe and the United States, to depict her experiences from the moment the Nazis invade the Netherlands until her family is forced into hiding in the annex of her father’s office building at 263 Prinsengracht, in Amsterdam.
As state-sponsored discrimination turns ordinary people into monsters, the Jews of the Netherlands are caught in an inescapable swell of violence and hate, and Anne is shaped as both a young woman and as a writer who will change the world.
Eating Disorders Awareness Week (EDAW) : Understanding and Recognising the Signs
This year’s EDAWs theme is that anyone can be affected by an eating disorder. According to Beat, the UK’s leading eating disorder charity, at least 1.25 million people in the UK are living with an eating disorder. That’s roughly 1 in 50 people. Yet, despite these numbers, many may struggle to identify the warning signs of eating disorders. This is a critical issue, as early intervention increases the chances of a full recovery.
Sadly, the true number of individuals affected may be higher due to underdiagnosis and the stigma surrounding these conditions, which prevents many people from seeking the help they need (Beat, 2025).
EDAW provides an opportunity to spread the message that eating disorders are serious mental health conditions that can affect anyone – regardless of age, gender, or background – and at any time.
Recognising the Signs
Eating disorders often manifest in ways that are not immediately visible. It’s important for parents and guardians to be aware of key warning signs, which may include:
- A preoccupation with food, calories, or dieting.
- Significant changes in eating habits (e.g., restriction, bingeing, purging).
- Withdrawal from social activities and increasing isolation.
- Drastic weight changes (though this may not always be visible).
- Compulsive exercise or excessive concern about body image.
Why It’s Important to Act Early
The sooner someone with an eating disorder receives help, the better their chances of making a full recovery. If you notice these signs in someone you care about, it’s crucial to approach them with support and understanding, encouraging them to seek professional help. You can discuss any concerns with a GP (BEAT guidance speaking to GP) or please do not hesitate to contact our school nurse if you would like to discuss anything that may be worrying you k.dunkley@nhs.gdst.net.
Learn More and Get Involved
For more information about Eating Disorders Awareness Week and to access resources visit https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk or Eating Disorders Awareness Week – Orri.
Together, we can help raise awareness and provide the necessary support to those who need it.
Saturday Course - Northampton Athletics
Rugby & Northampton Athletics Club are pleased to announce a new 5-week athletics course for young athletes in Northampton and surrounding areas. It runs from Saturday March 8 to Saturday April 5.
This course will give an introduction to the track and field events – running, jumping and throwing and is suitable for all – from total novices to more seasoned athletes – no experience required – just lots of energy. The emphasis will be on fitness, skills and fun with all sessions led by qualified club coaches.
When
Saturday mornings 10.30am until 11.45am.
Where
The sessions will take place at the Moulton College athletics track.
Who
The sessions are open to both club and non-club athletes. NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY.
Costs
R&N members – no cost.
Non-club athletes – £15 per 5 week block.
Ages – MINIMUM AGE is Year 3 at school (aged 7+) – MAXIMUM is Year 9 at school.
On completion – all course members will be invited to participate in the R & N EASTER OPEN EVENT to be held on Saturday 12 April.
Places are limited and will be assigned on a first come, first served basis.
To register – please complete this google form
If you have any further questions about the course or the club, please contact us at
This Weeks Sports
Throughout this week there have been multiple sports fixtures, ranging from cricket to badminton. Read below to find out how the matches went, and more about this weeks fixtures.
Calling all recyclers!
This year, Northampton High School’s theatrical production will be Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” and to highlight the issue of plastic pollution in our oceans we’ll be making as much of the scenery as possible from recycled plastic. To do this we’re going to need a LOT of plastic, and so we’re asking for your help!
We are asking all students, parents and staff to bring in ANY PLASTIC WASTE they can for us to use. For example, this could include:
- Plastic bottles (including milk/yoghurt/shampoo bottles etc.)
- Plastic bags (including postal bags)
- Plastic cups and straws
- Bubble wrap
- Air-cushioned packing material (but NOT expanded polystyrene)
- Polypropylene strapping (from large boxes etc)
- Crisp packets (not plastic, but we want them anyway!)
- Anything else made of plastic that would otherwise be going in the bin or to the tip!
Please rinse any plastic that has been used for food products before bringing it in (it will make our job a lot easier!), and please DO NOT bring in anything that has been used with raw meat.
Just bring your (clean) plastic waste to the Creative Arts Hub, opposite the White Room, where it will be gratefully received.
Many thanks for your support, The Creative Arts Team.
